Browse Data and Analysis

In March 2022, the European Commission published a legislative proposal to revise geographical indications (GIs) legislation. The new measures integrate specific sustainability criteria and aim to achieve a higher level of protection for GIs.

The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA), which entered into force on January 1, 2020, improved market access for U.S. products through the creation of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for food wheat, wheat products, malt, processed cheese, whey, glucose and fructose, potato starch, corn starch, and inulin.

On March 29, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued order number Std/SP-05/Orders/FSSAI [E-1317], pertaining to the Food Safety and Standards (Food for Infant Nutrition) Regulations (2020). The new FSSAI order extends the implementation date of the regulations to October 1, 2022.

The Hong Kong government notified the World Trade Organization that it adjusted the ban on commercial imports of live rodents and lagomorphs to cover only commercial imports of live hamsters effective on April 1, 2022. In 2021, Hong Kong’s global imports of small mammals grew 14 percent to $2.5 million.

India’s sweets and snacks market continues to expand rapidly thanks to rising incomes and holiday/corporate gifting. COVID-19 accelerated the industry’s adoption of digital marketing/delivery platforms, leading to new partnerships with organized retailers.

Australia’s sugar production is forecast to increase to 4.45 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2022/23, from an estimated 4.12 MMT in MY 2021/22. This increase is due to an expected rise in sugar cane crush to 32 MMT in MY 2022/23, from an estimate of 30.1 MMT in the previous year.

Post forecasts that Brazilian producers will expand soybean planted area at a slower pace, to 42.5 million hectares (ha) in 2022/23, up from the estimated 40.7 mn ha planted in the 2021/22 season. Post forecasts 2022/23 soybean production at 139 million metric tons (MMT), up from the estimated 124.8 MMT harvest this season, assuming return to normal weather conditions.

FAS/San José expects Costa Rican sugar cane production in marketing year 2021/22 to fall by 2 percent – remaining just below 4 million metric tons – driving sugar production down 2 percent to 416,000 metric tons on lower projected yields.

FAS Amman (Post) forecasts Jordan’s wheat imports in MY 2022/23 to reach 1.3 million MT driven by fears of war. The Russian war on Ukraine has a direct impact on Jordan, as most of Jordan's wheat and barley come from Black Sea.

MY2022/23 wheat production is forecast flat at 6,000 MT, unchanged from the previous two MYs. Australia recovered its market share thanks to drought recovery but the United States remains the chief supplier with 66 percent market share.

The food processing industry in China continues to develop and expand, creating products for the most populous country of consumers with increasingly distinguished tastes. Nutritious and healthy options are popular, as are bakery products and beverages.

Panama recognizes the certificates and standards of the U.S. regulatory and sanitary inspection system, based on the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, simplifying requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products. Panama is accepting the electronic export certificates issued by APHIS and FSIS; and the sanitary and free sale certificates issued by NOAA, FDA and Enterprise Florida, Inc. for food products exported to Panama.